| Country Summery |
| Capital City |
Bangkok |
| Largest City |
Bangkok |
| Government Type |
constitutional monarchy |
| Population |
62,828,706 (20th highest country) |
Population
Density |
127/km² |
| Sex Distribution |
Age 00-19: 16.1% female, 16.9% male
Age 20-39: 18.0% female, 17.3% male
Age 40-59: 11.4% female, 10.8% male
Age 60-79: 4.6% female, 3.9% male
Age 80+: 0.6% female, 0.4% male
------------------------------------------------
total: 51.0% female, 49.0% male |
| Fertility Rate |
1.88 children born per woman |
| Age of Consent |
Male: 15
Female: 15 |
| Life Expectancy |
Total Population: 71.95 years
Male: 69.65 years
Female: 74.37 years |
Average Yearly
Income per
Person |
$3,136 |
| Holidays |
Birthday of King Phumiphon: December 5th |
| Coat of Arms |
 |
| Thailand |
 More people visit Thailand than any other country in Southeastern Asia. This is no surprise as the Royal Kingdom of Thailand has much to offer visitors: historic culture, lively arts, beautiful beaches, some of best nightlife in the world, friendly and hospitable people, and last but not least, delicious Thai cuisines. Travel in Thailand is easy due to a well developed network of trains, busses, and airplanes. Most visitors enter the country through the Southeastern Asian travel hub of Bangkok. From Bangkok you can take daytrips to cities like the former capital Ayutthaya and Kanchanaburi, known for the River Kwai bridge. Popular beach islands include Koh Samui and Phuket Island. Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand is popular for Thai culture and scenery.
 In the north you can visit interesting cities such as Sukhothai, Chiang Mai,
Chiang Rai, or Mae Hong Son.
The north is known for its wonderful hiking trails, the hill tribes, and its Lanna culture.
In the south you can relax at some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, such as, Koh Tao, Krabi, Koh Samui or Phuket or Trang. Some areas are very touristy, but it is easy to find quiet spots. A little closer to Bangkok there is the resort town of Hua Hin and Khao Takiab Beach. Cha Am is also a popular beach area close to Bangkok just north of Hua Hin.
The Northeast is popular with budge travelers. Known as Isaan, this area contains appealing forested mountains, national parks, and very friendly people. The major highlight is probably the famous Khao Yai national park , but other interesting places are easily found in this area, including Nong khai and Surin.
People with a limited time might go to the East Coast. There are many popular resorts, including Pattaya, and Jomtien. The region is rich in natural resources, including rubber, rice, fishing, orchards and gemstones, and scenically arousing with several national parks containing waterfalls, virgin forest, and uninhabited, remote islands. Popular islands locations are Ko Chang and Ko Samet. |
| Bangkok |
 Thailand's capital is the city of BangCock. They don't formally spelled it that way, but you know...
In terms of sex tourism, Bangkok is the world’s ultimate sexual playground, and has earned its reputation as the sex capital of Asia.
As much you may love sex, there is even more to Bangkok than just this aspect. It is the travel hub for Southeastern Asia. Therefore it has much influence over the continent, and an abundance of diverse culture congregates here. Some of the oldest temples still in existence dwell right within this towering mega-city, which all meshes together to form a unique collection of architecture. The city is the gateway to the beautiful country of Thailand, a paradise of beaches and lush forests. The people here are friendly and encourage a relaxed attitude. Overall, Bangkok is just a fun city to visit. It attracts all sorts of people for many different reasons.
 Many of the city’s attractions are near to the various stops along the river. In order to find the floating market, make a stop at the Temple of Dawn. Despite the fact that most of them are located in the center of the thriving modern metropolis, Bangkok's historic sights are among the finest in Asia. The most spectacular, such as the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Keo, and the
Temple of the Emerald Buddha, are located on the same compound.
The rooflines and spires are extravagant, ornamented in solid gold. You will be left in a daze when laying eyes upon these marvels. This area resides only one compound away from Bangkok's Chinatown.
Other sights in Bangkok include the National Museum (a great introduction to the county’s history, national culture, and artifacts),
the Red Cross Snake Farm (to watch venomous snakes being milked)
– this is a good choice if your own snake has been over milked -- and the Weekend Market near Chatuchak Park (there’s a little bit of everything, including giant dead roaches neatly arranged for sale in the food section). Also worth a visit is the Suan Lum Night Market at the corner of Wireless Road and Rama IV Road. It is right next to Klong Toey MRT station.
 Most people come back and forth through Bangkok after visiting different regions of Thailand, such as Chiang mai, Koh Samui, Phuket, or Trang. Travel within Bangkok is made quick and easy with the BTS skytrain. Another good option is the MRT metro (underground railway), which serves a number of locations in the center of the city. Compared to other mega-cities, Bangkok is a very safe city and has one of the lowest crime rates in the world.
Bangkok also offers an amazing nightlife with bars, dance clubs, and live music. A lot is said about and done in Patpong, Bangkok's red light district. It's not particularly different from red light districts elsewhere. At night-time, Patpong's brightly and colorfully lit streets are packed with people who parade along the clubs lining the streets, some of which might even shock the most worldly visitors. Aside from the nightlight areas, maybe there is already enough excitement for you going on Kao San Road and its neighboring area. This is the street to go when you're looking for cheap accommodations, small restaurants and fellow travelers full of good stories of, which one might give you a treasure-map of one of the unknown deserted islands just off the coast...
By the way, do you know the real name of Bangkok? It's Krungtheep Mahanakon Bovorn Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokpop Noparatratchatathani Burirom Udomratchanivetmahasatan Amornpiman Avatarnsatit Sakkathattiyaavisnukarmprasit. |
| Country History |
Southeast Asia has been inhabited for more than half a million years. Recent archaeological studies suggest that by 4000 B.C. communities in what is now Thailand had emerged as centers of early bronze metallurgy. This development, along with the cultivation of wet rice, provided support for social and political organization. Research suggests that these innovations may actually have been transmitted from Thailand to the rest of Asia, including to China.
The Thai are related linguistically to groups originating in southern China. Migrations from southern China to southeastern Asia may have occurred in the 6th and 7th centuries. Malay Mon and Khmer civilizations flourished in the region prior to the arrival of Thai.
The people of Thai date the founding of their nation to the 13th century. According to tradition, in 1238 Thai chieftains overthrew their Khmer overlords at Sukhothai and established a Thai kingdom. After its decline a new Thai kingdom emerged in 1350 on the
Chao Praya River.
The first ruler of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya King Rama Thibodi made two important contributions to Thai history: the establishment and promotion of Theravada Buddhism as the official religion
(to differentiate his kingdom from the neighboring Hindu kingdom of Angkor) and the compilation of the Dharmashastra (a legal code based on Hindu sources and traditional Thai custom). The Dharmashastra remained a tool of Thai law until late in the 19th century. Beginning with the Portuguese in the 16th century, Ayutthaya had some contact with the West, but not until the 1800's did its relations with neighboring nations as well as with India and China become important.
After more than 400 years of power, in 1767, the Kingdom of Ayutthaya was brought down by invading Burmese armies and its capital burned. After a single-reign at Thonburi by Taksin a new capital city was founded in 1782 across the Chao Phraya at the site of present-day Bangkok by the founder of the Chakri dynasty. The first Chakri king was crowned Rama I. Rama's heirs became increasingly concerned with the threat of European colonialism after British victories in neighboring Burma in 1826.
The first Thai recognition of Western power in the region was the Treaty of Amity and Commerce with the United Kingdom in 1826.
In 1833, the United States began diplomatic exchanges with Siam
(as Thailand was called until 1938). However it was during the later reigns of Rama IV (or King Mongkut (1851-1868) and his son
Rama V (King Chulalongkorn (1868-1910) that Thailand established firm diplomatic relationships with Western powers. The diplomatic skills of these monarchs combined with the modernizing reforms of the Thai Government made Siam the only country in South and Southeastern Asia to avoid European colonization.
In 1932, a bloodless coup transformed the Government of Thailand from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy. King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) initially accepted this change but later surrendered the kingship to his 10-year old nephew. Upon his abdication King Prajadhipok said that the obligation of a ruler was to reign for the good of the whole people not for a select few. In turn, Thailand was ruled by a series of military governments interspersed with brief periods of democracy from that time until the 1992 elections. Since the 1992 elections Thailand has been a functioning democracy with constitutional changes of government.
As with the rest of Southeastern Asia, Thailand was occupied by the Japanese during World War II. Since the defeat of Japan in 1945, Thailand has kept very close relations with the United States. Threatened by communist revolutions in neighboring countries, such as Burma, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, Thailand actively sought to contain communist expansion in the region. Recently Thailand also has been an active member in the regional Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). |
Background information distributed under Creative Commons License.
Articles based on World66 and Wikipedia.
 |
| Demographic Characteristics |
| Ethnic Composite |
83.0% Thai
12.0% Chinese
3.0% Malay
2.0% other |
| Language |
Thai (official), English |
| Religion |
95% Buddhist
4% Muslim
1% other |
| Literacy |
93% of adults can read and write |
| Urban/Rural Split |
20% of the population lives in urban areas
80% of the population lives in rural areas |
|
| Weather Record |
| January |
High:
Low:
Precipitation: |
89.0° F,
71.0° F,
0.40 in, |
31.7° C
21.7° C
1.02 cm |
| February |
High:
Low:
Precipitation: |
90.0° F,
75.0° F,
1.10 in, |
32.2° C
23.9° C
2.79 cm |
| March |
High:
Low:
Precipitation: |
92.0° F,
78.0° F,
1.20 in, |
33.3° C
25.6° C
3.05 cm |
| April |
High:
Low:
Precipitation: |
94.0° F,
80.0° F,
2.80 in, |
34.4° C
26.7° C
7.11 cm |
| May |
High:
Low:
Precipitation: |
92.0° F,
80.0° F,
7.50 in, |
33.3° C
26.7° C
19.05 cm |
| June |
High:
Low:
Precipitation: |
91.0° F,
80.0° F,
6.00 in, |
32.8° C
26.7° C
15.24 cm |
| July |
High:
Low:
Precipitation: |
90.0° F,
78.0° F,
6.20 in, |
32.2° C
25.6° C
15.76 cm |
| August |
High:
Low:
Precipitation: |
90.0° F,
78.0° F,
7.40 in, |
32.2° C
25.6° C
18.80 cm |
| September |
High:
Low:
Precipitation: |
89.0° F,
77.0° F,
12.60 in, |
31.7° C
25.0° C
32.00 cm |
| October |
High:
Low:
Precipitation: |
89.0° F,
77.0° F,
9.10 in, |
31.7° C
25.0° C
23.11 cm |
| November |
High:
Low:
Precipitation: |
88.0° F,
74.0° F,
2.30 in, |
31.1° C
23.3° C
5.84 cm |
| December |
High:
Low:
Precipitation: |
87.0° F,
70.0° F,
0.40 in, |
30.6° C
21.1° C
1.02 cm |
Weather Record of Bangkok
|
| Currency |
| Currency Name |
baht |
| Symbol |
THB, Bht, ฿ |
| Bills |
1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, and 10 |
| Coins |
10.00, 5.00, 2.00, 1.00, 0.50, and 0.25 |
| Exchange Rates |
 USD |
$1.00 =
|
 EUR |
€1.00 =
|
 GBP |
£1.00 =
|
 JPY |
¥1.00 =
|
| Entry and Departure |
| Passport |
Passport required |
| Visa |
Visa not required for tourist/business visit of up to 30 days |
| Fees and Requirements |
For stays more than 30 days obtain a visa in advance. Visa requires 1 application form, 2 photos, postage for return of passport by mail, and appropriate fee. Transit visa, for stay of up to 30 days, $20 per entry fee, or tourist visa, for stay of up to 60 days, $25 per entry fee. Extensions may be applied for in Thailand. Transit and tourist visas require copy of airline ticket or itinerary. Business visas, valid up to 90 days, require $20 entry fee or $40 fee for multiple-entry and company letter (on letterhead) stating purpose of visit, name of company, and address of counterpart in Thailand. |
| Embassy |
www.thaiembdc.org |
| Average Room Price |
| High |
THB : between 3,000 to 10,000+
USD: between 80 to 250+
EUR: between 65 to 215+ |
| Mid |
THB : between 500 to 3,000
USD: between 12 to 80
EUR: between 10 to 65 |
| Low |
THB : between 130 to 500
USD: between 3 to 12
EUR: between 3 to 100 |
| Average Meal Price |
| High |
THB : between 300 to 500+
USD: between 8 to 12+
EUR: between 6 to 10+ |
| Mid |
THB : between 180 to 300
USD: between 5 to 8
EUR: between 4 to 6 |
| Low |
THB : between 90 to 180
USD: between 2 to 5
EUR: between 2 to 4 |
Currency data provided by coinmill.com |
| Hotels |
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit:
This hotel is a wonderful mix of business-style elegance with the festive, tropical themes of Thai culture. The Sheraton is widely considered one of the world’s most luxurious hotels. Thai and Italian restaurants here have won numerous awards, and it features live entertainment. Its location is desirable as well, residing near the Nana Plaza, Skytrain, and many commercial and cultural attractions. Service is top rate, and they are guest friendly.
Amenities:
Safe Deposit Box
Cable TV
Air Condition
Gym
Swimming Pool
Lobby Bar and Restaurant
Room Service
Laundry
High Speed Internet Access
Courtesy Airport Transportation
250 Sukhumvit Rd.
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Phone: 02/649-8888
|
President Solitaire:
This lodging option probably offers the best bang for your buck in Bangkok. They offer inclusive-paid packages that cover meal-plans and transportation, but much of what you receive is already included in the price of your room. And the rooms are absolutely fantastic. Your room will look more like a high-class apartment than a hotel, some including Jacuzzis and additional living space. It’s a great place for a bachelor to setup camp before rounding-up the Thai nightlife.
It’s near the action, guests are welcome, and prices are within reason.
Amenities:
Safe Deposit Box
Cable TV
Air Condition
Gym
Swimming Pool
Lobby Bar and Restaurant
Room Service
Laundry
High Speed Internet Access
Courtesy Airport Transportation
Sukhumvit Soi 11
Bangkok, Thailand
Phone: +66 2 255 7200
|
Majestic Suites:
This hotel is geared toward the single male with its location close to nearby Nana Plaza and the Skytrain. The rooms are clean and comfortable. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful. They are very open about allowing you to bring Thai guests to your room. Their pleasantly affordable room rates include breakfast.
Amenities:
Safe Deposit Box
Cable TV
Air Condition
Lobby Bar and Restaurant
High Speed Internet Access
110 Sukhumvit Rd., between Soi 4 and Soi 6
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Phone: 02/656-8220
|
| Transportation |
International
Airport |
Don Muang (BKK), Bangkok
(30.2 million passengers per year) |
Public
Transportation |
Skytrain & Subway:
The Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) is the best way to get around Bangkok. It consists of a monorail (the ETS skytrain) and a subway (MRT metro, underground railway). The skytrain and subway twist around each other, intersecting at three shared stations. It is not as complicated as it may seem, and the system is actually quite easy to use. While the subway is made up if just one line, the skytrain consists of two lines that intersect at Siam Square.
The skytrain’s Silom Line runs from the Chao Phraya River at the Taksin Bridge through the Silom area and to the Siam Square shopping area. The skytrain’s Sukhumvit Line runs along a route from Siam Square to Sala Daeng Station.
Riverboat:
Efficient and scenic, the public riverboats on the Chao Phraya River are a great way to get around Bangkok’s city center and experience local life. There are many different kinds of boats to choose from ranging from traditional wooden boats to modern express boats. Riding the riverboats is a sightseeing activity in itself.
Car and Motorbike Rental:
Car and motorbike rental in Bangkok is easy on the budget. Rentals are available at the airport. A driver license from your home country is required. Keep in mind that road accidents in Thailand are a serious risk.
Bus:
Air-conditioned airport bus service operates between Bangkok International Airport and downtown with for 4 main routes. The extremely low fares make this a good option.
Taxi:
Most taxis come equipped with meters. Taxi is a good way to get from the airport to your final destination in Bangkok, or from your destination to skytrain/subway.
Taxis are rather inexpensive, but the Mass Transit System is even less expensive and often faster. |
| Driving |
Drive on the left side |
| Mpas |
● Map of Bangkok
● Scaleable Map
● City Landmark Map
● Map of Patpong
● Bangkok Mass Transit Map |
| Electricity |
| Voltage |
220 |
| Cycles |
50 |
| Adapter Plug |
● European Non-Grounded
● North America Non-Grounded |
|
| Places of Interest |
| Ancient City |
Meuang Boran is often translated as “Ancient City”. This world renowned site, just south of Bangkok, is the largest open-air museum on earth. Over 100 archeological replicas of monuments, temples, and other buildings are scattered accordingly over the 320 acre site. The exterior of some of the buildings – particularly the palaces and temples – consist of majestic white walls, rich red tiled roofs, and fine gold ornamentation. The interiors of the structures are absolutely marvelous. Some have walls and ceilings covered in immense patterned mosaics made of intricate tiles; some are covered in mirrors; some in bright, complex murals. You are bound to be astonished by the attention to detail that went into this site. It feels like traveling back in time to the ancient East. |
| Ao Phang-Nga National Marine Park |
This coastal sanctuary of the Andaman Sea entices visitors with its towering limestone cliffs, bizarre rock formations that seem to levitate above the water, elusively submerged caves, and tranquil fishing villages. A pleasant way to experience this paradise is to hop from seaside and inlets by canoe, kayak, or private boat. The scenic islands lumped over the topical turquoise waters are separated by little more than a few gentle swooshes of your paddle. |
| Ayuthaya Historical Park |
This area in the town of Ayuthaya is scattered by the vast remnants of ancient temples. Along the encircling rivers you will get the sense that a truly great city had once dwelled on this location. The majority of the site can be explored on foot. However, travelers who want to see everything can rent bicycles and hire a jungle boat guide to take them to the outlying ruins. |
| Sirinat National Marine Park |
Discover the deeper meaning of relaxation on the pristine beaches of this national park and wildlife reserve. Umbrellas and sling chairs can be rented by travelers wanting to claim a secluded bend on the white sand expanse. Within walking distance of Nai Yang is Hat Mai Khao, the longest beach of the park, sea turtles comfortable lay their eggs between November and February.
The park also attracts scuba drives who know of the submerged remains of a hidden shipwreck. This nearly 200ft long sunken ship lies near the town of Ko Waew, at a shallow depth of 52ft. |
Wat Phra Kaew
& Grand Palace |
Located in the historic center of Bangkok, these two sites are actually adjoined in the same complex of buildings, which is perhaps the most popular tourist attraction in Thailand. The Grand Palace is the former royal residence, and the Wat Phra Kaew, which translates as Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is historically a more important highlight. The Emerald Buddha cradled within the temple is considered one of the world’s most valued artifacts. It is believed to have originated in India. Over the course of Asian history it has slipped through the hands of various kings who fought for it. For Thai people, the Emerald Buddha is the most precious possession of their nation. The Emerald Buddha is only about 2ft tall, and sits high above its devotees in the main shrine. The temple that it is named after is so elaborately crafted with exquisite Thai decor that you are likely to forget the tiny statue as a sensation of awe overcomes you. |
|
| Crime Rates |
| Murders |
8 per 100,ooo population |
| Rapes |
6 per 100,ooo population |
| Thefts |
90 per 100,000 population |
| Regional Considerations |
| Pickpockets |
Minor theft is generally nonviolent, but does commonly occur. Be on the lookout for pickpockets in the subways and bars. Don’t leave your bags on the floor while eating. Keep your purse or wallet well guarded. Carry a copy of your passport with you, rather than the original. Leave your valuables in a safe place. |
| Rough Waters |
Strong seasonal undercurrents at popular beach resorts pose a threat to surfers and swimmers. During the monsoon season from May through October, drowning is the leading cause of death for tourists, especially on the resort island of Phuket. Some, but not all, beaches have warning flags to indicate the degree of risk (red flag: sea condition dangerous for swimming; yellow flag: sea condition rough, swim with caution; green flag: sea condition stable). |
| Avian Influenza |
The CDC, WHO, and Thai authorities have confirmed human cases of the H5NI strain of avian influenza, commonly known as the "bird flu." Travelers to Thailand and other countries affected by the virus are cautioned to avoid poultry farms, contact with animals in live food markets, and any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from poultry or other animals. In addition, the CDC and WHO recommend eating only fully cooked poultry and eggs. |
| Drinking Water |
Travelers new to this area are at risk of dysentery due to microorganisms and high concentrations of chlorine in drinking water.
If possible, drink purified bottled water, and avoid ice in your drinks. |
| Natural Hazards |
droughts |
Safety briefing cited from U.S. Department of State & CIA public records. |
| Red Light District |
Patpong
Patpong is the red light district at the heart of Bangkok's international sex industry. The city also has numerous other red light districts, such as Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy that are far more popular with local Thai men. It is tempting to say that Patpong is Asia’s version
of Europe’s De Wallen in Amsterdam, since Patpong is also an extremely active red light district that caters primarily to tourists. However, Patpong combined with the associated entertainment zones of Bangkok surpasses all other red light districts on earth. Where else can you see sexy ladies performing death-defying exotic feats, such as shooting ping-pong balls out of their vaginas into an onlooker’s beer mug? Erotic services in Patpong are found in many gog0-bars and nightclubs that have private areas within each establishment. The layout that Patpong consists of includes two parallel side streets named Patpong 1 and Patpong 2, which reside between Silom Road
and Suriwong Road. The Patpong red light district is within walking distance of the SkyTrain's Sala Daeng Station. |
|
|
Background Culture Climate Money
Matters Accommodations Sight
Seeing Safety The
Main Attraction
|
